Editorial: Another talk about the cost of bullying

Her mother's claims that bullying contributed to the death makes a sad situation just that much sadder.

Police continue to investigate what led to the eighth-grader's death. And Tippecanoe School Corp. officials are treading lightly about what might or might not have happened to Angel during school hours at Battle Ground Middle School. We can only imagine the complications in a girl's mind that would drive her to that brink.

But the anger was clear in a note her mother, Danielle Green, found in the days after Angel's death.

"Dear 8th grade,

"Why did I deserve this pain? Have you ever thought about what you said to me? huh ... maybe not! because you killed me everyday. ... I'm so sorry I wasn't good enough for you or this school. Sorry I wasn't perfect. Sorry I wasn't pretty. Sorry I was fat. Sorry I came into this world. ..."

People closer to the situation will need to determine what did and didn't happen, and what was and wasn't said.

But this moment offers another chance to talk with kids about respect and what to do about bullying, whether they are on the receiving end or just witness it.

To that end, join an J&C online forum on the topic at noon today. Motivational speaker and McCutcheon High School grad Travis Brown will moderate the live discussion and take questions.